Cass County and city leaders express gratitude and optimism while updating flood response efforts

(Fargo, ND) -- Cass County Commissioner Chad Peterson praising citizen volunteers for their efforts last week in filling sandbags for flood mitigation.  

"It's the people that make us different. It's the people that make this area strong. We did 200,000 sandbags without a hiccup. I don't think people realize how big a deal, how heavy a lift that would be for most communities because it's a massive lift for most. We did it in a week," said Peterson. 

Peterson went to say that if two million sandbags were needed, that goal would have been met. 

He spoke Monday at during a flood update at Fargo City Hall. 

So far, a relatively moderate rate of snow melt has prevented the Red River from rising quickly. 

The river level is at 32 to 35 feet and still rising, but permanent mitigation measures put in place over the past 14 years are expected to be sufficient to prevent major flooding issues in the metro.  

City leaders in Fargo are anticipating emergency flood measures won't be necessary this season.

Meanwhile, West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis is asking some residents in the city to be watchful. 

"I would ask that the citizens of West Fargo that have the Sheyenne River running in their backyard to continue to be vigilant. Watch the river as we are concerned about the potential ice jams as our spring melt continues," said Dardis.